Are you in the early stages of planning a trip to Cancun, or booked and ready to buy currency for the upcoming trip to Mexico? Whichever stage of trip preparation you are in, let’s check to see if there are any other things you need to know before going to Cancun.

I certainly had a bunch of questions ahead of my first trip there and so I’ve pulled together a list of what those were and what I’ve learnt after traveling to Cancun (and all over Mexico) several times.

Here are useful things to know before you go to Cancun for some fun in the sun!

Take note of the airport details

“What airport do you fly into for Cancun?“

Cancun International Airport is the main airport serving Cancun and the surrounding areas. If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, for example, you’d fly into Cancun. 

The airport code is “CUN”

Know the currency and exchange rate

“What currency is used in Mexico?“

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. It is represented by the “$” sign and the currency code is MXN.

1 peso is divided into 100 cents, or 100 centavos (let’s practise our Spanish starting now!)

And on the topic of language, to anyone feeling nice and confident with their Spanish, how about using a word only locals know: “baro”

In Mexico, the term “baro” is used casually to refer to money.

For example, “Tienes baro? Quiero ir de compras” (Do you have money? I want to go shopping)

Note that US dollar notes are also accepted in Mexico. Albeit at a less favorable exchange rate – but that should be expected as you’re paying for the sweet convenience of using your US currency.

Managing money in Cancun

“Should I bring cash to Cancun?“

Yes, definitely bring cash with you for general day-to-day transactions such as tipping your tour guides, for example.

If you need to withdraw cash, look for an official bank ATM vs. the random ATM in the corner of the bus station, for example, as they have high fees.

And lastly, when using your credit card to pay for goods and services, always opt to pay in the local currency (Mexican peso). The conversion fee will be higher if you select to pay in your home currency.

Pre-arrange your airport transfer

“What is the best way to get from Cancun airport to my hotel?“

Be sure to pre-arrange transport to your accommodation from Cancun airport.

The moment you step foot outside of Arrivals, several locals offering transport will zero in on you and approach – all offering the “best price”. That best price is often 3-4x the standard rate so if you’d prefer not being hustled within your first few minutes in the country, do pre-arrange your airport transfer. 

Again, it’s best to already have a plan to get to your hotel by the time you land in Cancun  – even if that’s a plan to use the airport bus service. Trust me on this one.

Don’t hesitate to use ADO bus service

“Can you get a bus from Cancun airport?“

ADO provides a direct bus service from Cancun Airport to downtown Cancun, convenient for those staying in the area. Or, if you’re like me and are using Cancun primarily as a transit hub, ADO bus service is also available at Cancun airport to Tulum, for example.

“Is there a bus I can take to go from Cancun for a day trip?“

ADO has frequent schedules to the popular destinations that tourists typically travel  to from Cancun such as Playa del Carmen(PDC) , Tulum, Merida.

Read: Best Things to Do in Izamal, Mexico’s “Yellow City”

The ADO bus service is overall a great experience. I’ve used it several times to travel to and from various towns in the Yucatan peninsula.  The buses are comfortable and cool and, most importantly, the drivers drive safely and not like maniacs. 

You can either visit their website, download the ADO app or purchase a ticket directly at the ticket counter of wherever your bus departs from. 

Keep a supply of bottled water

“Can you drink the tap water in Mexico?“

No, you should not drink tap water in Mexico. Distilled and bottled water all the way.

Walk with bug spray 

“What essentials should I pack for Cancun?“

Insect repellent is an essential when you’re traveling around Cancun and the entire Yucatán peninsula in general, especially when you’re headed into the jungle areas to check out the Mayan ruins.

Get used to the military presence in Cancun

“Why is there so much Mexican military on the roads and beaches of Cancun?”

Cancun and the surrounding towns in Quintana Roo have a heavy military presence guarding these tourist-heavy destinations. It’s not unusual to be walking down the street and seeing a couple trucks with a load of heavily armed military guards in the back drive by on patrol. 

The Mexican military is there for the safety of tourists and to prevent crime.

Pay attention to flags on the beach

“What do the flags on the beaches in Cancun mean?“

Headed to the beach in Cancun? Well be sure to have a look at the colour of the mounted flag before deciding to go into the water.

Here’s what each flag colour means on a Cancun beach:

Green flag: Calm conditions. It’s safe to swim.

Yellow flag: Caution – moderate hazards. Proceed with caution if you do go swimming. (…I wouldn’t!)

Red flag: Strong currents. Do not go into the water.

Double red flags: The water is closed to the public. (…if 1 red flag wasn’t enough to deter you!)

Know what number to dial in case of an emergency

“What number should you dial in an emergency in Mexico?“

911 is the national emergency number in Mexico.

Hopefully I’ve helped with any questions you have on the things you should know before going to Cancun. If you now feel better prepared for your trip, then wonderful! My job here is done.

Happy travels! You’re off to beautiful Mexico.